Directives for Test-Takers:
- Part 1: Provide personal answers. Use 2-3 sentences for each question. Stay relevant and concise.
- Part 2: You will have 1 minute to prepare and 2 minutes to speak. Take notes during the preparation time to organize your ideas and cover all the bullet points.
- Part 3: Expand your answers by giving reasons, examples, and contrasting views. Aim to speak for about 1-2 minutes per question when prompted.
🟢 Part 1: Introduction & Interview
Explanation
- Duration: 4–5 minutes.
- Examiner asks general questions about familiar topics.
- Goal: Show ability to speak about simple, everyday things.
Questions
- Do you often use technology in your daily life?
- What kind of technology do you use most often?
- Do you think people use technology too much these days?
Sample Answers
Band 5
- Yes, I use technology every day. I use my phone and computer. It’s very important for me.
- I think the phone is most often. I check messages and watch YouTube a lot.
- Yes, maybe too much. People look at phone too long. Not healthy.
Band 7
- Yes, I use technology every single day. For example, I check emails on my laptop and use my smartphone to stay in touch with friends.
- I would say the device I use most often is definitely my phone, because it combines so many functions like social media, navigation, and even online shopping.
- Yes, I think people depend on technology too much, especially young people. Sometimes they spend more time on their phones than talking to people face-to-face.
Band 9
- Absolutely, technology is integrated into almost every aspect of my daily life. From setting an alarm in the morning to paying bills online, I rely on it constantly.
- The piece of technology I use most often is my smartphone because it functions as a communication tool, an entertainment device, and even a work assistant all in one.
- Yes, I do believe there’s an over-reliance on technology nowadays. While it has improved efficiency, it has also reduced the amount of genuine human interaction and created problems such as screen addiction.
🟦 Part 2: Cue Card
Explanation
- You get 1 minute to prepare and 1–2 minutes to speak.
- Try to cover all points on the card.
Cue Card
Describe an invention that has changed the world.
You should say:
- What the invention is
- When it was invented
- How it has changed people’s lives
- And explain why you think it is important
Sample Answers
Band 5 (~1 min)
“I want to talk about the smartphone. It was invented maybe in 2007. People use it every day now. It changed lives because we can call, text, and check the internet. I think it’s important because everyone needs it to connect with family and work.”
Band 7 (~1.5 min)
*”The invention I’d like to talk about is the smartphone, which became popular after Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007. Before that, phones were only for calling and sending texts. Now, smartphones allow us to do almost everything—shop online, take classes, and communicate easily.
Personally, I use mine to learn languages and to contact my family. I think it’s important because it makes life more convenient, although people sometimes spend too much time on it.”*
Band 9 (~2 min)
*”The invention I consider most influential is the smartphone, which really entered mainstream society after the iPhone was released in 2007. Before that, mobile phones were quite basic, but smartphones turned them into pocket-sized computers.
They’ve changed people’s lives dramatically. For example, they allow instant communication across the globe, provide access to unlimited knowledge, and even support new industries like mobile banking and app development. Personally, I use my smartphone for work, travel, and even health tracking.
I think it’s important because it has democratized access to information and connected people in ways that were unimaginable just two decades ago. Of course, there are challenges, such as privacy issues, but overall, the smartphone is a revolutionary invention that continues to shape modern society.”*
🟣 Part 3: Discussion
Explanation
- Duration: 4–5 minutes.
- Examiner asks abstract and opinion-based questions connected to Part 2.
- You should give longer, thoughtful answers with reasons and examples.
Questions
- How has technology changed the way we communicate?
- Do you think technology will continue to make our lives easier in the future?
- Are there any negative effects of relying too much on technology?
Sample Answers
Band 5
- Now we use phones and internet. Before, people met more in person.
- Yes, technology will be easier. Maybe robots help people.
- Yes, too much technology is bad. People look at screens all day and don’t talk much.
Band 7
- Technology has completely changed communication. Instead of writing letters, people now use instant messages and video calls. It’s much faster and cheaper.
- Yes, I think in the future technology will keep improving our lives. For example, self-driving cars might reduce accidents and make travel easier.
- Yes, there are some negative effects. For example, many people spend hours on social media and become less active. Also, there are privacy problems because companies collect too much personal data.
Band 9
- Technology has revolutionized communication. It has shortened distances and made interaction almost instantaneous through platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp. However, it has also reduced the depth of personal connections, as many people now prefer quick digital exchanges over meaningful face-to-face conversations.
- I strongly believe technology will continue to simplify our lives. Artificial intelligence and automation will likely handle repetitive tasks, freeing people to focus on more creative or meaningful work. However, this will also require new skills and adaptations from society.
- Certainly, over-reliance on technology has serious drawbacks. Apart from screen addiction and declining social skills, there are also larger concerns, such as cybercrime and job losses due to automation. So while technology is beneficial, it needs to be managed responsibly.